Nedim Hodzic (Waterloo/Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary) and Simon Petrov (Waterloo/Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary) combined for 55 points as the Warriors men's basketball team picked up their first win of the season Friday night, topping the York Lions 96-91.

"It was a good road win for us. Nedim and Simon led us and we got great contributions from the entire roster," said head coach Justin Gunter.

It was a close battle throughout with Waterloo's biggest lead coming late in the third quarter, up by nine, 64-55. The Lions however mounted a comeback in the fourth getting it back to within one (70-69) but a couple big shots from Justin Malnerich (Cambridge/St. Benedict's Catholic Secondary) and Colin Connors (St. Johns/Gonzaga High (Brock)) provided enough separation down the stretch to secure the Warrior victory.

Hodzic led the Warriors with 28 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. He went 10-for-19 from the field and 8-for-9 from the line and also added one steal and two blocks.

Petrov put up 27 points going 9-for-17 from the field and a perfect 9-for-9 from the charity stripe. 

As a team Waterloo shot lights out from the free throw line, finishing 26-for-30. York went 19-for-26. 

Connors and Malnerich provided key depth off the bench with 18 and 13 points respectively. Connors hit six big three pointers while Malnerich knocked down three.

"Colin and Justin going 9-16 from three was huge for us. They made several key three's in the second half which halted York's momentum," mentioned Gunter.  

Waterloo will look to make it two straight tonight in Kingston against Queen's. Tip-off is set for 8pm and the game can be seen live on OUA.tv.